30 Dynamic Duos of Daytime Soaps (25-21)

Our list of 30 Great Dynamic Duos of Daytime Soaps started with a look at 30-26. Below the countdown continues with Dynamic Duos 25-21. Tell us your favorite Dynamic Duos in the Comments section below:

DUO: Erica Kane & Opal CortlandtSHOW: ALL MY CHILDRENRANK: 25PLAYED BY:Erica: Susan LucciOpal: Jill Larson (the role had previously been played by Dorothy Lyman)YEARS: 1989-2011COMMENT:"When Erica’s mother Mona died, daytime’s number one minx needed a talk to to help unravel all her romantic adventures. Underneath Opal’s daffiness lay a huge giving heart and great wiseness, with which she supported Erica through her endless love affairs and problems." - Connie Passalacqua Hayman (Marlena De Lacroix)

DUO: Barnabas Collins & Julia HoffmanSHOW: DARK SHADOWSRANK: 24PLAYED BY:Barnabas: Jonathan FridJulia: Grayson HallYEARS: 1967-1971COMMENT:"Barnabas was aware of Julia's romantic attraction to him. His own complex feelings for her would evolve over time, as he went from suspicious to having a strong loyalty and respect for her. Had the show continued, it was rumored Barnabas might have finally returned her feelings." - Roger Newcomb

DUO: Drucilla Winters & Phyllis SummersSHOW: THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESSRANK: 21PLAYED BY:Dru: Victoria RowellPhyllis: Michelle StaffordYEARS: 1994-2000, 2002-2007COMMENT:"Phyllis has gone head to head with Sharon and even with 'The Bug', but the rivalry she had with Drucilla was one where she was evenly matched. It was fascinating to watch them do battle." - Patrick Erwin

The Dynamic Duos list was compiled with input from the We Love Soaps staff as well as some friends in the industry--Patrick Erwin, Jonathan Reiner and Connie Passalacqua Hayman (Marlena De Lacroix).

As much as Lynn Marie Latham's run as headwriter of Y&R is panned, she wrote the above scene of Drucilla v. Phyllis and the last time African-American characters drove story on the soap. i enjoyed much LML's run and Drucilla/Victoria Rowell is TERRIBLY missed and much needed on the show.

I love that Drucilla/Phyllis scene but it is infamous for being what VR claims was MS' overzealous behavior on-set, actually spitting on VR in several takes of the scene. Hmmm...

Thank you for including Barnabas and Julia. Jonathan and Grayson made these characters unforgettable! Loved your quote, Roger. Barnabas definitely cared deeply for Julia. When Julia was possessed by Gerard and she urged Barnabas to leave and safe himself...his refusal to do so is a very touching moment.

Joshua - Actually, that particular scene occurred in early January 2005 when Jack Smith was the head writer in a co-head writing trio that consisted of him, Kay Alden, and Trent Jones. (Latham came along in mid-to-late 2006.) Smith also wrote the majority of the Devon Hamilton foster care story, which of course, Rowell championed. I'd say Smith was the writer who re-ignited the Drucilla vs. Phyllis rivalry, not only on the business front, but also on the personal front. Recall, Dru stuck her nose in Phyllis' relationship with Damon Porter, while Phyllis did the same with Dru by interjecting herself in the reveal that Malcolm was Lily's bio-father. (Phyllis and Malcolm were always friends). So too, Smith is the one who had the kids of these two battling divas hook-up, beginning the Daniel & Lily, Romeo & Juliet type relationship.

I really loved Vivian in the 90s. I wish they could recapture that deviousness again. She was sometimes detestable, sometimes funny, and sometimes you kinda felt bad for her. It was good that she had a loyal ally in Ivan.